Key case



30 to the frame in such manner that they may readily swing open and closer. Their function is to overlie the keys least frequently used. These flaps are provided with a snap fastener'l-/l by which theyrnay be held in closed position.

lt is desirable to employ the central aperture Sfifor a ring flo by which the case may be suspended from a chain. This ringl passes around the upper part 22 of the frame and will7 of course, be retained in central position in the case by the material of flap lll located on either side of it.v

It will be noted that in this the preferred construct-ion the frame l0 is not entirely closed but has an opening i8 at the center of the lower member rllhis has two ac vantages. First, it makes it possible to eniploy merely a bent wire for the frame, and second, it affords a place where the chain ring 46 and key rings 3% may be slipped onto the frame. Y

In practice, when the parts of the case are assembled in the manner described and shown the owner attaches his keys to the various key hooks in the well known manner. Most persons have two or three keys which they use very often, and others which they use seldom. For example, a house door key is commonly used many times a day. The owner of one of my cases will select these keys most frequently used, and will close the flaps 30 underneath them, thus leaving them free in the manner illustrated in. Figure 2. The result is that theser Vfrequently used keys may be selected automatically or nearly so, thus enabling the owner to obtain the kejf desired even in the dark.

l have previously called attention to the fact that in the preferred kform of device, which Ihave illustrated, the frame is in the form Vof a keystone, being smaller at the bottom than at the top. l have found by exi perience inthe manufacture and use of key cases that more space is required for the heads of the keys than for the shanks thereof with the result that ordinary leather cases tend to becomedistorted and to assume a keystone shape. This throws the outer flaps out of alinement and mars the appearance of the article generally. With my case by initially forming it in keystone shape there is no tendency for the case to become distorted, and the result is that the case maintains its original configuration even after long use.'

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. Akey'case having a rigid quadrilateral A key case having a-wire frame in the form of a keystone, wider at the top than at the bottom, an envelope for enclosing the frame and contents, said envelope having aback secured to the frame and being of the same shape as the frame and havingI flaps for closing the front, key hooks suspended from the upper partY of the frame,

and means for holdingl them in spaced relation laterally.

et. A key case having a quadrilateral frame of wire, an envelope enclosing the freine, key hooks-suspended from the upper part, of the frame,the frame having an opening in the bottom through which the key hooks may be threaded onto the frame, and a strip stitched to the envelope and overlying the bottom of the frame to secure the envelope to the frame and at the same time cover the opening in the frame.

5. A. key case having a qnadrilateral frame, an envelope securedto it and adapted to cover it, the envelopefhaving flaps at the front whereby the cont-ents may be exposed, Y

means cooperating with said frame for suspending the keys from the upper edge of the case, and inner flaps pivoted to the side members of the frame whereby when closed they may cover certain of the keys and permit others to lie outside of them for ready use. i'

6. A key case having. a ,quadrilateral wire in the form of a keystone, wider at the top than at the bottom, an envelope for encloslOl) ing the frame and contents, said envelope having a back secured to the frame and being' of the same shape as the r 1ame and having flaps for closing the front, key-suspending devices suspended from the upper part of the frame, and additional flaps pivoted to the sides of the frame at the lower portion thereof inside of the envelope for retaining the keys moet seldom used.

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto sub scribed my naine.

CHARLES A. HUMPHREYS; 

